Carrier aircraft and ships develop as one system

Why did early Fleet Air Arm fighters and strike aircraft often require navigators?

Long-range strike still needed a navigator, while improved carrier radar and beacons could make single-seat air-defense fighters practical.

The navigator requirement depends on mission and on what help the carrier can provide through radar and beacons. A strike or reconnaissance aircraft traveling farther from the ship still needs a second crew member to handle navigation and mission tasks. An air-defense fighter working inside a developed carrier-control system can instead remain single-seat. Fighter, strike, and reconnaissance aircraft therefore cannot be assessed without the ship sensors, navigation aids, tactics, and strategy that make them effective.